Vermillion Cliffs

The stunning Vermillion Cliffs are not just unique to Utah, but extend well into Arizona. This national monument still attracts many visitors each year, just has it has does for over 12,000 years. It is not only a place of beauty, but a historical place where ancient trails still draw in hikers from across the country.

After a long hike through inspiring terrain, visitors to the Arizona Vermillion Cliffs National Monument find incredible remoteness combined with incredible towering sheets of pure rock. The cliffs are an extension of those found in Utah, and it is no surprise to find that anyone who visits them are sure to make a point of heading south to see the rest.

Covering many acres of stark landscape and lush forests, this amazing cliff formation is considered very distant from human civilization. Ancient tribes hovered to the mesa far below them, taking time to gather grains and fruit, as well as hunt for deer and buffalo. They built many settlements in nearby areas, some of which have become the famous pueblo ruins that so many people are very familiar with.

Local trails encourage visitors to get a closer look at the mesa, forest and cliff face. Walks are lengthy in places, but generally easy enough for most people. However, the trails there are much easier to follow than their Utah neighbors. These tend to draw in families and even people wanting to spend time camping at the cliff base.

Campgrounds are first come, first serve, and are not regulated. People pick spots that suit them as long as they adhere to park rules about leaving no trace of their presence and taking responsible action to not interfere with the fragile habitats of local animals.

The cliffs themselves are an interesting phenomenon. Their colors astound one with creams, reds and oranges which resemble stripes on a candy cane. They are in fact multiple layers of varied rock, sediment and ancient lake and ocean sea beds. Many fossils are found within them, some of which are clearly visible if one takes a closer look.

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